A couple of months ago, Roy Oswalt (3-1 in 5 starts with the Phillies) asked for a trade in hopes of joining a contender and to help the Astros rebuild. Two nights ago the Astros took the Phillies to 16 innings, winning 4-2.

In the 14th inning, it got interesting. Ryan Howard was tossed, arguing back to back called check swing strikes causing Philadelphia (no position players remaining) to make adjustments. After moving Raul Ibanez to first base, they put Oswalt in left field. WoW.

In all honesty, watching a pitcher play the outfield is kind of cool, let alone actually seeing him catch a fly ball.

Then in the 16th, with the bases loaded, Chris Johnson hit a hard ground ball to third which was misshandled by Placido Polanco, allowing the go-a-head run to score. Another run scored on a sac fly by Tommy Manzella.

In the bottom of the 16th, the Phillies had two on, two out, runners on first and second- who comes to bat? That thoughtful guy who asked for a trade to help out the only pro ball club he’s ever known but would only accept it if it was to a contender that would pick up his expensive option- Roy Oswalt.

As we all know by now, Roy grounded out to end the game.

Tonight, Wandy takes the hill against 8-6 Kyle Kendrick with the Astros looking for the series sweep which could put the Phillies 3.5 games behind the Braves for the division lead and a game behind the Giants for the wildcard.

So, if the Phillies somehow miss the playoffs by a game or two, the Astros could take pleasure in it knowing they were a team the Phills should have beat, So much for being a contender.